Exasperation at Trenton Train Station

The Trenton Train Station remained closed on Tuesday, two days after its tracks were covered with four feet of water. Still, travelers arrived, having not heard that much of the Northeast Corridor rail line was closed.

Hy Le, 20, and his sister, Thy Le, 25, were traveling to Rutgers University in New Brunswick with two large suitcases, a bag containing bedding, and two bags. Hy Le was moving to begin his freshman year, and his sister was helping him.

Hy Le said he checked the New Jersey Transit website and saw nothing about the station being closed. So they took the Atlantic City train to Camden, where they picked up the River Line light rail to Trenton.

They found out they needed a bus to New Brunswick. “I’m so tired,” an exasperated Thy Le said while standing near their pile of luggage outside waiting for the bus.

Ralph Gebbia, 48, a corporate trainer from North Brunswick, figured it was misplaced political priorities that led to the quick reopening of the Atlantic City line, but kept the Trenton station closed.

“It’s all about big business, handshakes and friends,” Gebbia said.

Told that the Trenton tracks had been underwater, Gebbia said that the state should explain itself. “No reason was given why this was out,” Gebbia said, pointing at the station.

Indeed, makeshift signs printed up on paper and taped to the doors only informed visitors that trains were not leaving from Trenton until further notice. The water had receded and, to the naked eye, the tracks and platform appeared intact, but the area was roped off with caution tape.